"O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Psalm 34:8

Here we are exhorted to test by experience the goodness of the LORD. Some things are never fully appreciated or valued unless they be tasted as it were like a cold cup of refreshing water on a hot summers day.

What is the result of this experimental tasting? Blessedness or bitterness? Why blessedness brethren, for "Blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."

Many suppose they may be blessed if they have but the cup and not the substance which quenches our thirst but a cup without water is as an empty promise isn't it? See how blessed that person is who has both the cup and the water flowing out of that cup. It is the water that is the primary thing for even without a cup we could gather the necessary water to save our life by using our hands to cup up the water as in a flowing river or stooping down and lapping up the water with our mouths. A cup without water will not quench your thirst.

The Lord is the great and necessary substance, the living water to taste and drink til our souls are filled and satiated with that which ever satisfies and never runs dry because God is an infinite fountain of living water. John 4:10-14

Perhaps an illustration will serve to make my point clearer. Many speculate about the appropriateness of this restaurant as to whether the food is good or not. You may hear this review or read that review but unless you actually taste the food that comes from that restaurant you will never know by experience if that food is good.

The best way to see if a restaurant's food is to your liking is to taste it and see once if it meets your desires.

NOTE: You will never know if a restaurant is good just by looking at the yellow page advertisment under restaurants. The words and fancy ad along with the size ad may tell you that alot of money was spent on the ad but it can not possibly satisfy your taste for their food unless you walk in an pay them a visit and taste that particular restaurant's food.

Now hasn't it been your experience that the best way to discover a good restaurant is by word of mouth adverstising? When a friend or relative who you trust says, "Try this restaurant because their food is so delicious" then you are perhaps persuaded to give it at least one visit aren't you?

So likewise are we exhorted to taste and see, that is, prove to yourself that the LORD is good.

We are created finite beings with the ability to use our finite senses but it is God who gave us our senses to use wisely for His glory and He bids us to "Taste and see" and in so doing to prove that He is good.

"There is none good but one" said Jesus to the young rich ruler and "that is God."

If we would be blessed we must do that which we are commanded to do. A blessed man is a happy man and a happy man is a man who knows the Lord and trusts in Him as the Psalmist says again "O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee." Psalm 84:12

and

Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is".

When we taste then we know by experience whether something is good or bad. There is no speculation or guessing or uncertainty. This sure knowledge of experience brings with it a certain trust and confidence so that we have no reason to doubt or fear. We come to love that which we find tasteful and good. This is true on a physical level in regards to material matters and necessities such as food and clothing but how much better when it comes to spiritual necessities like heavenly manna and that spiritual drink which is Christ.

Jesus said, "Blessed are they they hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled." Matthew 5:6

Imagine yourself living in the hot, dry wilderness during the days of Moses after journeying a long distance and arriving at a place where there was no water. This is exactly what happened for we find in Exodus 17:1-3,

"And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?"

How amazing was their unbelief wasn't it? After all that the LORD did for the children of Israel in showing them many miracles through the hands of Moses and in delivering them from Pharoah's bondage they still doubted the goodness of God. They are said to have tempted the LORD.

Let us never sin as did these unbelieving Israelites but rather let us taste and see that the LORD is good and then we will be blessed because we will trust in the LORD and never doubt of His love and provision "for whatsoever is not of faith is sin."
Romans 14:23

Carlton Pruitt ministers the gospel to the Los Angeles area. Formerly a Hollywood actor (SAG member)and junk removal expert he now spends most of his time studying the scriptures, writing articles, hymns and poems and doing street preaching.

See his videos on http://www.youtube.com Type LAStreetPreacher in the search bar. CONTACT at Carlton2061@gmail.